Transducer for Electromagnetic and Thermo-Acoustic Wave Based on Three Dimensional Graphene Structure

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention describes a transducer device based on a three-dimensional (3D) graphene structure that can convert electromagnetic radiation (from microwaves to visible light) into acoustic or ultrasonic waves and vice versa. The device uses the exceptional properties of 3D graphene, which absorbs a wide range of electromagnetic frequencies and efficiently generates or detects sound waves. It enables simple, efficient, and broadband conversion between these domains using inexpensive and lightweight graphene sponges.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Broadband detectors for electromagnetic radiation (microwaves, terahertz, visible light) through detection of generated acoustic signals.
• Demodulation and transmission of high-frequency carrier signals to baseband in communication technologies, including frequency ranges not covered by traditional electronics.
• Creation of wireless, high-fidelity loudspeakers or microphones that are driven by modulated light (e.g., LEDs, lasers) or microwaves.
• Contactless heating devices that use electromagnetic sources (sunlight, lasers, microwaves) for efficient and targeted heating without electrical contact.
• Radiation detection cards for invisible or hazardous radiation (e.g., for safety and security).
• Material spectroscopy and homeland security applications through terahertz detection and analysis.
• Development of compact, broadband sensors for environmental monitoring or industrial applications requiring detection over a wide spectral range.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Ultra-broadband operation: functions from hundreds of MHz to hundreds of THz, covering microwaves, terahertz, infrared, and visible light.
• Highly efficient and linear conversion between electromagnetic and acoustic domains, enabling versatile sensing or communication applications.
• Lightweight, scalable, and easy-to-integrate due to the nature of the 3D graphene sponge structure.
• No need for traditional, frequency-selective electronic components, reducing cost and complexity.
• Enables wireless and contactless device designs, such as speakers powered by light, or non-invasive heaters.
• Suitable for new communication and data processing approaches, including demodulation and spectral conversion over frequencies traditionally hard to access.
• Environmentally friendly and durable: uses graphene, which has high thermal and electrical conductivity, flexibility, and chemical stability.

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Patent Abstract

The present invention discloses a method and an apparatus for converting incident electromagnetic radiation into acoustic and/or ultrasonic waves, comprising: a) a 3D graphene structure comprising a number of graphene sheets for receiving the incident electromagnetic radiation and responding to the incident electromagnetic radiation by an acoustic and/or ultrasonic signal; b) an electro-acoustic transducer being coupled to the graphene sponge and receiving the acoustic and/or ultrasonic signal and outputting in response to the acoustic and/or ultrasonic signal an electric signal; and c) an evaluation unit being enable to detect the course of the intensity of the electric signal. It further discloses a method and an apparatus for converting incident acoustic and/or ultrasonic waves into electromagnetic radiation, comprising: a) a 3D graphene structure comprising a number of graphene sheets for receiving the incident acoustic and/or ultrasonic waves and responding to the incident acoustic and/or ultrasonic waves by electromagnetic radiation; and b) an electro-acoustic transducer being coupled to the 3D graphene structure outputting the acoustic and/or ultrasonic waves. The present invention allows simple, efficient and prompt conversion of high frequency electromagnetic radiation, in the range between MHz and 100 THz, into acoustic waves at frequencies between few Hz to more than 100 kHz and possibly vice versa.